Chapter 790

Golden Agent of the Adonis (110)

Fang Zhenxuan has been busy since his debut and hasn’t rested much, but as soon as he heard Chu Xiang say she wanted to compete with Xia Ze for good resources, he was immediately filled with fighting spirit, completely feeling no trace of exhaustion.

Chu Xiang was confident about snatching resources. Their weakness was evident; Fang Zhenxuan didn’t have as much popularity as Xia Ze. However, they had an advantage that Xia Ze didn’t – the male lead of this drama was a lawyer, and Fang Zhenxuan was much stronger in terms of expertise and acting skills than him.

Choosing popularity or acting skills was something that directors, producers, and investors needed to carefully consider. The key point was that Hong Yao Entertainment planned to invest and naturally wanted to cast Xia Ze as the male lead. Xia Ze intended to enhance his strength with representative work, and Hong Yao would definitely fully support him, giving their money-making tree a golden sheen.

Things have almost been settled on their side. Chu Xiang communicated and convinced Manager Liang overnight, and the next day, they scheduled a dinner to have him accompany them to meet the director, producer, and screenwriter.

During the meal, Manager Liang expressed that Xingchen Entertainment was willing to invest 30 million, and Chu Xiang also stated that she personally would add an additional 30 million. In this way, their investment already exceeded what Hong Yao offered. With the additional two confirmed investors, this drama already secured 80 million in funding, so there was no need to look for other investors!

This was merely a comedy film, mainly about a genius lawyer who accidentally became a private detective after losing his license. Then, he unintentionally saved a little girl during a trip and got involved in a serious case. In the end, he solved the case with his wit and professional acumen.

The storyline didn’t require big production or special post-production. A film produced with 80 million would definitely be carefully crafted.

During their considerations, Chu Xiang smiled and said, “Actually, investment is not about comparing who has more money nor is it about capitalism. It’s about both me and Manager Liang having great confidence in this project and having high regard for Zhenxuan’s acting skills and audience support.”

Manager Liang and the others clinked glasses and laughed, saying, “Chu Xiang is right. Zhenxuan is excellent in all aspects, and the directors, actors, and producers he has worked with all praise him.”

Fang Zhenxuan stood up and poured drinks for everyone. He picked up his glass humbly and said, “Everyone present is my senior, and I still have much to learn. I only know to take steady steps forward. The role in this drama portrays a lawyer, which happens to be my profession and dream. So, I don’t want to miss it. I sincerely request the seniors here to give me the chance to audition.”

Chu Xiang stood up and patted Fang Zhenxuan’s shoulder. “You may not know Zhenxuan well. How about giving him a chance to audition when you have time? You have to see someone’s skills before you can judge, right? Also, I learned that there’s a little girl who accompanies the protagonist throughout the script. Coincidentally, Zhenxuan has a 5-year-old niece who is beautiful and cute. She has acted in two movies before and has a special bond with Zhenxuan. If they both play the roles, we don’t have to worry about the chemistry and coordination between the two characters at all.”

The screenwriter’s eyes lit up, unable to resist asking, “Mr. Fang’s niece also acts?”

Fang Zhenxuan nodded. “She loves acting, and she’s quite talented. We let her act in two projects during her spare time from school. If she gets a chance to appear on the big screen, she would be extremely happy.”

The screenwriter had meticulously polished her script and had gone over it countless times. She knew every storyline by heart, including the ones not written in the script. They played out in her mind, and she visualized them on Chu Xiang’s exquisite face. Thinking of Chu Xiang’s powerful presence since her first appearance, her heart raced a bit faster. Tentatively, she asked, “Can Miss Chu act? There’s a character in the script… who can play a pivotal role. I just couldn’t think of the right person for that role, so I removed it. But seeing Chu Miss today, I really feel that she is suitable in many aspects. It’s just a cameo, two or three scenes. What do you think?”

Chu Xiang was momentarily stunned, but she quickly smiled. “It would be my honor. How about we bring the child along another day and have a trial shoot?”

The audition was settled, and the investment capital had already surpassed Hong Yao’s. Now, Fang Zhenxuan, Xinxin, and Chu Xiang were confirmed to be in the cast. If the audition goes well, their chances of success will increase multiple-fold!

Upon hearing this news, Xia Ze’s mood turned extremely sour. He was currently filming for the drama “Reunion,” playing the second male lead. He could already imagine the clash between “Reunion” and “Plot Twist” during the Lunar New Year break. He and Fang Zhenxuan would definitely be compared once again.

Against all expectations, Fang Zhenxuan actually dared to compete with him for the Lunar New Year film “Case Investigation Adventure.” He had worked so hard to secure this project, thinking that a comedy film wouldn’t require exceptionally profound acting skills. Moreover, the character was likable, and the plot was interesting. It had a high chance of helping him successfully transition from a popular idol to an actor. Yet now Fang Zhenxuan came to snatch it away.

Xia Ze made several calls to his company, and they also had discussions with the production team. Even if they increased the investment amount, the production team wanted to see the audition before making a decision. After all, if they could increase the investment, Chu Xiang also had no shortage of money. In a situation where the investment portions were similar, why not choose the one with better acting skills? Even if Xia Ze had higher popularity, there had never been an example of a popular idol driving the box office. Wasn’t relying on popularity just a gamble?

In the end, Hong Yao managed to secure an audition opportunity for Xia Ze, promoting fair competition. If his acting skills were outstanding and convinced the director and screenwriter that he was more suitable, then he would be chosen.